Tech company accused of price-fixing at Australian mines.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced legal proceedings against technology company Swift for allegedly engaging in price fixing and bid rigging for entertainment services at Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group mine sites. It is alleged that Swift Networks Pty Ltd entered into an agreement with DXC Connect Pty Ltd and DXC Technology Australia Pty Ltd to submit a higher price than the other after a request for bids. This was for the supply of equipment and services to five mining village projects in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, including Rio Tinto Limited’s Gudai-Darri, West Angelas and Yandicoogina, Western Turner Syncline and Peninsula Palms sites, and at Fortescue Metals Group Limited’s Japal Village Iron Bridge site. The technology infrastructure included IT, communications and audio-visual entertainment infrastructure and associated services for providing internet and media, such as free-to-air or subscription television, to the mining villages. Bid rigging and price fixing can drive up prices for businesses and harm the economy, which is why the ACCC is taking this matter seriously. The commission is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders.